First pitch: Harrell lands back in the bullpen, Stassi serves a DH again

Two days after making a spot start, former No. 2 starter Lucas Harrell returned to the bullpen on Wednesday night for the series finale against the Rangers. He returned to a relief role because the Astros will use Jordan Lyles on Friday, Brad Peacock on Saturday and Dallas Keuchel on Sunday during the three-game series against the Blue Jays.

Harrell, who gave up nine runs (seven earned) over 2 1/3 innings in the 16-5 loss Monday, had thrown 4 1/3 scoreless innings over his two previous relief outings.

“My arm feels fine,” he said. “I feel good. I feel strong. I’m just ready to get back out there to get in a game and hopefully get another chance to get in a game and help us try to win a game.”

Harrell entered the night with a 6-14 record and 5.55 ERA.

“I threw 198 innings last year,” he said. “I can carry 200-plus innings on my arm. It’s one of those things that I feel like whenever they need to use me they’ll use me, and I’ll be ready when they call down.”

Photo: Jim Cowsert / Associated Press

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<center><strong>Aug. 21: Rangers 5, Astros 4</center></strong>
Adam Rosales slides home with the game-winning run on a sacrifice fly by Elvis Andrus.

<center><strong>Aug. 21: Rangers 5, Astros 4</center></strong>
Adam Rosales slides home with the game-winning run on a sacrifice fly by Elvis Andrus.

Photo: Jim Cowsert / Associated Press

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Elvis Andrus is dragged on the field by Leonys Martin and Derek Holland, left, after hitting the game-winning sacrifice fly, scoring Adam Rosales, against the Astros.

Elvis Andrus is dragged on the field by Leonys Martin and Derek Holland, left, after hitting the game-winning sacrifice fly, scoring Adam Rosales, against the Astros.

Photo: Jim Cowsert / Associated Press

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David Martinez makes his major league debut against the Rangers.

David Martinez makes his major league debut against the Rangers.

Photo: Tom Pennington / Getty Images

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Erik Bedard reacts to being pulled from the game.

Erik Bedard reacts to being pulled from the game.

Photo: Tom Pennington / Getty Images

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Adrian Beltre dives to make the stop for the out on a line drive hit by Jose Altuve.

Adrian Beltre dives to make the stop for the out on a line drive hit by Jose Altuve.

Photo: Tom Pennington / Getty Images

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Max Stassi reacts after being hit in the face by a pitch thrown by Tanner Scheppers.

Max Stassi reacts after being hit in the face by a pitch thrown by Tanner Scheppers.

Photo: Tom Pennington / Getty Images

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Houston Astros staff members tend to Max Stassi after he was hit in the face.

Houston Astros staff members tend to Max Stassi after he was hit in the face.

Photo: Tom Pennington / Getty Images

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Max Stassi is hit in the face by a pitch.

Max Stassi is hit in the face by a pitch.

Photo: Jim Cowsert / Associated Press

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Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus throws to first base after forcing out Matt Dominguez at second.

Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus throws to first base after forcing out Matt Dominguez at second.